States considering label requirement on genetically altered food

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — States from Rhode Island to Hawaii are considering requiring labels on food items containing genetically modified ingredients, which account for two-thirds of what Americans eat.

Right now, only Connecticut and Maine have laws requiring labels for food containing altered ingredients, known as GMOs. But those laws won't take effect until other states follow suit.

Lawmakers in other New England states are pushing to join them. Efforts are also underway in dozens of other states including California and Washington, where voters rejected a labeling proposal on last year's ballot.

Biotech and agricultural companies oppose the proposals and say GMO foods are safe.

Rhode Island state Rep. Dennis Canario supports requiring labels. He says that in the absence of federal rules, he wants consumers to know what they're eating.